Honouring Women

In a colourful evening at Guwahati’s NEDFI House, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) honoured three women achievers from Northeast India. Every year, the FLO, northeast chapter, honour women who have excelled in different works of life. This year, the FLO awards were given to three women, namely Mami Varte, singer from Mizoram , Assamese actress Arati Baruah and singer Archana Mahanta.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University, Amarjyoti Choudhury graced the occasion as the chief guest. Choudhury said that he was amazed by the young talents like Mami Varte. He felt inspired by such talented younsters. He also dedicated a poem to maestro Bhupen Hazarika.

Speaking at the awards function, Varte said there are a lot of talented singers in Mizoram but they haven’t been able to utilize their talent due to lack of proper platform. She urged the government to take up steps to promote the singers and the music industry.

Arati Baruah, while receiving the FLO award, said the Assamese film industry underwent a lot of changes. “Things are not the same as it was in our times. Now, the films made in this part of the state have a touch of Bollywood as a result of which there is a lack of originality. The films should be made in such a way so that they reflect the Assamese culture and tradition,” she said

Speaking on the folk music of Assam, Archana Mahanta said the interest of people towards folk music is increasing. Many new singers have come up and they are also working to promote folk music, she added.

The evening ended with two melodious songs by Mami Varte which left the audience spellbound.